Innovative Academies host Microsoft Conferences

More than 400 visitors attended a series of Microsoft Conferences held at Cornwallis and New Line Learning (NLL) Academies, in Maidstone, last week.

Visitors from schools around the world visited Cornwallis on Tuesday 10 January as part of the Microsoft Innovative Schools Programme, whilst on 11-12 January, Microsoft Sweden hosted a conference at NLL. The visits were arranged to coincide with BETT, a trade show at Olympia that showcases the use of technology in education.

The guests experienced the state-of-the-art learning environments available at both Academies, as well as participating in a variety of workshops that covered innovative education practices and new models for learning.

Topics included in the workshops were:

• Innovative teaching and learning practices
• 
Technology innovations
• Learning environment
• Use of data
• Performance management
• Creating learning activities for the 21st Century

Guests also enjoyed a presentation from Chief Executive of Future Schools Trust, Gigi Luscombe, who said: "We were delighted to welcome so many visitors to NLL and Cornwallis, which have both been creatively designed to instill passion into the student's learning journey and prepare them for the world of work. The visits focussed on the educational model of Future Schools Trust and the innovative use of technology to support 21st Century education."

Future Schools Trust, in Maidstone, runs NLL and Cornwallis Academies and is currently working towards opening Tiger Primary School, in September 2012, Maidstone's newest primary for 25 years.